The terms "geek" and "nerd" are used interchangeably. I myself have even used them as one and the same on this very blogsite. However, I recently found out that apparently there is a difference between a GEEK and a NERD. Would you like for me to elaborate?
A Nerd is someone who is socially inept and awkward. They have a difficult time making friends and tend to be the wallflower at any social occasion. That is soooo me! A nerd is also someone with a very expanded vocabulary and a braniac at best. They are either a whiz in Math, Science, or some other academic subject. In other words, their cranium is used at its highest capacity and they either have excellent memories (History buffs) or have an uncanny ability to solve calculations (engineering major). I'm defintiely NOT the latter.
A geek is someone who is not necessarily an intellect, but someone who is an avid collector of something and someone who has a obsessive interest in a subject or state of being. For example, a "Trekkie" is someone obsessed with the Star Terk franchise and at times may even identify one's self as a person or character from the show. Or someone obsessed with Facebook is a social networking addict. A person who has a large collection of comic books or anime DVDs is a geek by definition. The term geek in some circles was at one time considered at derogatory term and is now considered to be a term of endearment. Geeks also tend to look more nerdy than actual nerds do.
I considered myself definitely both a nerd and a geek, but I'm more nerdy than geeky if that makes any sense. I'm definitely socially awkward and cannot look people in the eye when I speak to them. I'm pretty smart I think, but not whiz kid or anything. I also have an obsession with blogging (obviously) and I have been known to collect many things including geeky items like comic books, sports cards, and tons of DVD movies. I don't identify necessarily with a character on a TV show or a movie. But I've fantasized about becoming one (I would totally trade places with Sookie Stackhouse if given the opportunity).
Anywho. I know these definitions may not jive with everyone, but I was reading up on this and had no idea of the distinction between the two. What are your thoughts? Are you a nerd or a geek? Or are you both like me?
I wasn't aware of the distinction. Thanks for clearing that up.
ReplyDeleteI too am partially both, being more nerd than geek. I have difficulty relating to people and often feel very awkweird when placed in face-to-face social situations.
I've been told by family and classmates that I am very intelligent but keeping up in school is hard work; the good grades I get don't come easily. Moreover, it always seems like the other students are much more advanced and I'm just barely keeping up.
Up to this point I've never been a collector. However, when it comes to obsessions, definitely blogs.
To date I have 4 Tumblrs, 2 eBlogs, 11 WordPress sites, and 2 Weebly's. (That doesn't include the twitter and Facebook accounts that go with them)
I know that I'm out of control but every time I have an idea, I start a blog. It's so bad that my favorite Auntie wants me to see about getting into "blogs anonymous" (lol).
In actuality though, I think it's manipulating the themes that I love most. Well, I guess it looks like I may be more geek than nerd afterall. :)
I'm definitely both. I knew that they weren't interchangeable, but there was definitely some overlap. Like a mutually inclusive Venn diagram.
ReplyDelete*insert diagram here*
Being among sistren, I feel like I can toot my horn a little. I'm classified as "gifted" and most knowledge comes easy to me. I'm an author and a science nerd with an extensive vocabulary and a propensity for playing with statistics. I'm currently finishing a terminal degree in science education because it just made sense. However, I don't do well in large groups and I prefer to be alone, even though I'm assertive, confident and just a wee bit crazy.
I collect dolphins, snowglobes, DVDs and books. I'm obsessed with LEGOs and I build houses. I am also a fan of sex, deviant behavior, abnormal psychology and supernatural creatures (subjects that I write about). I'm also a diehard fangirl of the Predator and would straight move to Yautja Prime if I could.
Just sayin'.
Great question. Never really thought about it before.
I can be both, but more likely to lean on Geek.
ReplyDeleteI love this article. I had this discussion about a year ago with a friend about the difference between a Nerd and a Geek and we throw a few things out and the wild, but never really got to the bottom of things.
ReplyDeleteThis explains everything in laymen terms...lol I am definitely more of a Nerd than a Geek, but hold both qualities.....Big Ups to the Nerds ;-p